i have a 2000 s500 with the stock comand navigation unit and i was wonder if i were to purchase th 2003 and up navigation unit will it work with just plug in and play or would i have to do major modifications to the wiring and equipment. anyone with expirience or knowledge is welcome for advice

You are looking major modifications! I posted the same question a year or two ago and there are dozens of other threads on this subject. I gave up the idea early on and have no intention of ever trying. I got the feeling it might be easier and cheaper to just buy a new S-class. Just do a search and you will see what I mean.

See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...+screen+COMAND for the most recent discussion of which I am aware on this topic. You could consider retrofitting the wide-screen model from 2003, but NOT "and up." Retrofitting the '03 version is more complicated than just "plug & play," but it can be done (that is not to say that you gain much by doing it).

In '04 and later COMAND in the S-Class went to an entirely different fiber optic bus than in prior years. That is also when it went to a DVD based system, vice CD. It would likely be cheaper to buy a new car than to try to retrofit a MOST based system into a D2B equipped car. The link tells you why. It also gives you good contacts if you want to retrofit the '03 widescreen version.

Skylaw--I was recently on another thread that discussed a COMAND software upgrade CD for older model MBs. I can't find the thread now, but I got the CD from my dealer: Part # W 230 589 00 22 00, made in 07, 2002. It is supposed to add some functionality to COMAND/NAV, and is for 2.0 ECE + 2.5 ECE. On the CD is says: BOSCH Software-Service-CD MY01. I have tried unsuccessfully to install it, but no luck. Do you know anything about this product? Or do you happen to know where that other thread is--I've searched w/ no luck...

Hi, i have a 2000 s500 with the older 2.5 comand, i understand ill have to buy a 2003 unit to upgrade as a 2004 wiring is completely different, i have found a website which sells a 2.5 to widescreen adaptor for &#163;200 it shows picture of 2004 sat nav MBSCA Shopen Mercedes shopen Mercedes Styling in the multimedia section, does this mean i can upgrade to 2004 unit with this or is this adaptor still needed for 2003 upgrades

See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...+screen+COMAND for the most recent discussion of which I am aware on this topic. You could consider retrofitting the wide-screen model from 2003, but NOT "and up." Retrofitting the '03 version is more complicated than just "plug & play," but it can be done (that is not to say that you gain much by doing it).

In '04 and later COMAND in the S-Class went to an entirely different fiber optic bus than in prior years. That is also when it went to a DVD based system, vice CD. It would likely be cheaper to buy a new car than to try to retrofit a MOST based system into a D2B equipped car. The link tells you why. It also gives you good contacts if you want to retrofit the '03 widescreen version.

hello!
i recently bought a 2000 S500, and i need the navigation cd for the southeast USA. would you have any suggestions where i can find such a thing? thank you!

You can find the navigation cd's all day long on Ebay. Just do a search for "mercedes navigation cd" and you'll have several auctions come up.

I also have a 2000 S500 and I'm moving forward with replacing the navigation system. I've done quite a bit of research and I've opted to go with a Kenwood DNX-7100 GPS unit. I'm also adding the bluetooth, Sirius, and Ipod controls. The biggest obsticle is what to do with the wood bezel that surrounds the navigation unit. I went to 3 or 4 custom shops and they all told me that the best they could do is make a custom bezel but it would be the same vinyl as the dash. Finally I found a shop that will do a wood bezel that will match the rest of the trim. It's a little more expensive but vinyl is not an option for me.

The second obsticle is what to do with the speakers, amp, and cd changer. The factory navigation is connected to the amp using fiber optics. Once I change out the head unit, the amp, as well as the cd changer in the trunk can no longer be used. Since the factory head unit is designed for 4 ohms, it could easily overheat since the Bose speakers are 2 ohms. For this reason, I'll be adding an Alpine amp so I can continue to use the Bose speakers at 2 ohms.

To make a long story short, in a few weeks I'll have a new GPS unit, new amp, bluetooth, Ipod, and Sirius. The entire package including parts and installation will cost about $2400. My 2000 S500 only has 24,000 miles on it so to me it's well worth the investment.

Here is a picture of what someone else had done with a Pioneer unit and I'm anticipating similar results.

You can find the navigation cd's all day long on Ebay. Just do a search for "mercedes navigation cd" and you'll have several auctions come up.

I also have a 2000 S500 and I'm moving forward with replacing the navigation system. I've done quite a bit of research and I've opted to go with a Kenwood DNX-7100 GPS unit. I'm also adding the bluetooth, Sirius, and Ipod controls. The biggest obsticle is what to do with the wood bezel that surrounds the navigation unit. I went to 3 or 4 custom shops and they all told me that the best they could do is make a custom bezel but it would be the same vinyl as the dash. Finally I found a shop that will do a wood bezel that will match the rest of the trim. It's a little more expensive but vinyl is not an option for me.

The second obsticle is what to do with the speakers, amp, and cd changer. The factory navigation is connected to the amp using fiber optics. Once I change out the head unit, the amp, as well as the cd changer in the trunk can no longer be used. Since the factory head unit is designed for 4 ohms, it could easily overheat since the Bose speakers are 2 ohms. For this reason, I'll be adding an Alpine amp so I can continue to use the Bose speakers at 2 ohms.

To make a long story short, in a few weeks I'll have a new GPS unit, new amp, bluetooth, Ipod, and Sirius. The entire package including parts and installation will cost about $2400. My 2000 S500 only has 24,000 miles on it so to me it's well worth the investment.

Here is a picture of what someone else had done with a Pioneer unit and I'm anticipating similar results.

I am very disappointed in the stock GPS in my new 2011 300C. I had a Garmin in my Jaguar that I loved. I wind up taking that portable unit with me and not using the Benz one..It always gives me wrong directions. My Garmin is always right on the money with all inputs....How can I get an upgrade??